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Here’s why Stafford is Brisbane’s hottest locale

Kristie Lau-Adams Kristie Lau-Adams
Brisbane’s dairy cows and tanneries of yesteryear have made way for seriously creative brains in Stafford.

Fusing the past with the present just eight kilometres north of Brisbane, sleepy Stafford has changed a lot since I was a kid. Artisanal crafts, brewhouses and international cuisine have all migrated to Happy Valley (how it’s known locally, nodding to Stafford’s historic roots), resulting in an energised space that pleasantly surprised me. Retaining its pretty rural surroundings while nurturing culinary and artisanal imagination, Stafford is flourishing and fabulous. Let me shine a light on the best bits.

In short

If you only do one thing in Stafford, make it a visit to Happy Valley Brewing Company. It’s one of the best spots in the city for a schooner of craft brew and the vibe is always dialled up.

Treat your taste buds at Oh Boy, Bok Choy!

south-east Asian classics at Oh Boy, Bok Choy!
Tuck into finessed south-east Asian classics. (Image: Oh Boy, Bok Choy!)

Friends told me to secure my spot early at Oh Boy, Bok Choy! and I’m glad I did because the place is pumping when I arrive. Loved by locals and Brisbane foodies from all over, the Stafford restaurant fuses Vietnamese, Chinese, Malaysian and Thai food for a smashing taste sensation. Casual and loud, the vibe is infectious as laser-focused passion pours into everything coming out of the kitchen. Choose from finessed south-east Asian classics like crispy prawn toast and bao buns done three ways, but save room for the headline acts: curries, noodles and deliciously sizzled and dressed meats make their mark.

Address: 264 Stafford Rd, Stafford

Sample stellar brews at Happy Valley Brewing Company

a glass of beer with food at Happy Valley Brewing Company, Stafford
Hop over to Happy Valley Brewing Company for fantastic fare that will give you a guaranteed good time.

Brisbane’s love affair with home brew knows no bounds, extending its exceptional operations to Stafford. Happy Valley Brewing Company is a top spot to sink a pint and line the tummy in style, a fact I only discover one afternoon in mid-2025 despite this hot spot drawing crowds since 2020. Don’t miss the team’s core range, perhaps with a few share plates spanning crumbed mac n cheese bars (exactly what they sound like), loaded fries with whiskey beef brisket, and a collection of tacos. There are also melt-in-your-mouth burgers and a dedicated kids’ menu that throws in colouring-in packs. A guaranteed good time for the entire clan.

Address: 34 Wolverhampton St, Stafford

Soak up community spirit at the Happy Lane Market

a look inside Happy Jane Cafe, Stafford
Find joy in every cup at Happy Jane Cafe.

A space once occupied by the Love Me Again Markets is now home to the Happy Lane Markets, found inside the charming Stafford cafe, Happy Jane Cafe. Staged on the second Sunday of each month, the Brisbane market only launched in September 2025 so you can expect large crowds sussing out the newish retail fix. Entry is free and you’ll always find vintage collectables and fashion, chic homewares, live music and entertainment, on-site parking and, of course, treats from the cafe for everything your morning out in Stafford needs.

Address: 31 Wolverhampton St, Stafford

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Take a scenic route along the Kedron Book Bikeway

the scenic Shaw Park Loop along the Kedron Book Bikeway, Stafford QLD
Tackle the scenic Shaw Park Loop along the Kedron Book Bikeway. (Image: Beatrice Woodcock)

Jumping on two wheels gave me a solid stickybeak through Stafford as I hit a portion of the 20-kilometre Kedron Book Bikeway. It runs all the way from Mitchelton to Toombul, through Stafford and Stafford Heights, and the path is made up of both clearly marked street bike lanes and shared paths. I went from Kedron Brook bus station to Stafford City shopping centre, but the entire stretch is dotted with picnic areas, parks and even barbecues if you plan on making a day of it. Here’s a map to help you plan a journey.

Address: Access it from the Brookside Shopping Centre in Mitchelton, or Toombul train station to ride the entire length.

Uncover true coffee artistry at Q Roasters

Q Roasters, Stafford QLD
Q Roasters has a strong emphasis on sustainability.

Caffeine is no joke to these guys. Q Roasters, a roaster, wholesaler and cafe, is the brainchild of Lee Mary and Lachlan Hosking, with Lachlan serving as a registered Australian Q Grader (Q as in quality) and international coffee judge. The team know their stuff (Lee was born in a coffee-growing region in the Papua New Guinean Highlands) and bring their knowledge to each unique blend. Part of the Stafford landscape since 2014, Q Roasters values sustainability, sourcing every bean from producers who care for the land and people who work on it. Additionally, the retail section sells baked goods, which is just as strong a pull in my book.

Address: 44 Wolverhampton St, Stafford

Lean into more of Stafford’s exceptional cafe culture

alfresco dining at The Colour Nine, Stafford QLD
Dine al fresco at The Colour Nine in Stafford Heights.

While Q Roasters remain laser-focused on roasting perfection, I also love Stafford for the many awesome proximity cafes to choose from. Elixir HQ Cafe also roasts its own award-winning blend, but I like dropping in for its food menu and chilled vibes, too. The dishes invite serious indulgence – think tiramisu waffles, truffle mushrooms and an apple crumble porridge. There’s also bustling The Colour Nine in Stafford Heights, which is pet-friendly and nails breakfast classics with a Thai twist.

Address: Elixir HQ Cafe, 12 Hayward Street, Stafford; and The Colour Nine, Shop 2, 85 Mawson St, Stafford Heights

Mingle with thirsty locals at Flat Lizard Brewing

a hand holding a glass of Flat Lizard beer in front of Yebisu Catering food truck
Pair your Flat Lizard beer with chicken karaage from Yebisu Catering.

Live music, a revolving door of food trucks and masterfully crafted, independently produced brews – Flat Lizard Brewing in Stafford is another one of my favourite Brisbane breweries. Located in the suburb’s trendy industrial zone, the brewery nails its core range of lagers, ales and stouts while offering hearty feeds and, if the game’s on, live streaming of your favourite sports. It’s relaxed, pet-friendly and full of locals, with dishes like woodfired pizza and internationally inspired street food providing the ultimate accompaniments to some of the region’s finest beer.

Address: 18 Harvton St, Stafford

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Stuff yourself senseless at King of the Wings

buffalo wings at King of the Wings, Stafford
Ignite your tastebuds with sensational buffalo wings. (Image: King of the Wings)

Look, it’s not ultra-refined dining but when you’re craving comfort food done to perfection, King of the Wings is a local foodie stalwart that always hits the spot. Doesn’t the name say it all? What started as a beloved Brisbane food truck finally set up its own permanent digs right here in Stafford, gifting locals with sensational Buffalo wings, slow cooked ribs, burgers, fries and even a range of desserts. While the truck still travels throughout the state, this brick-and-mortar eatery is always worth the hike given the on-site bar that’s pouring up cocktails, wine and beer, daily.

Address: 1/240 Stafford Rd, Stafford

Find buttery, flaky perfection at Bella & Tortie

a stuffed pie at Bella & Tortie, Stafford
Indulge in an array of next-level sweets at Bella & Tortie.

Can’t resist a baked good on tour? Same. Bella & Tortie is Stafford’s hottest ticket, cooking up next-level sweets with extreme flair. It underwent a brief renovation in October 2025 and won’t reopen its doors until November, but when they’re back, make a beeline to find traditional European cakes (like their cult favourite canales) and clever contemporary creations jazzed with seasonal fruits and ingredients. Past winners included their Banoffee Cruller, Stout and Ginger Cake and macadamia, coconut and mango trifle, plus the savoury menu is crafted with equal measures of out-of-the-box genius.

Address: 12/240 Stafford Rd, Stafford Central, Stafford

Catch a game of AFLW at Hickey Park

A beautiful Aussie Rules football stadium in Stafford, Hickey Park plays host to many AFLW games each season as the Brisbane Lions draw big crowds. It holds about 4,000 guests in total and the vibe is high-energy when it needs to be, but relaxed before and after the whistle’s blown. A bar and grandstand bring game-day atmosphere, and when it’s not footy season, you’ll find locals jogging laps around the oval plus kids rolling down the grassy hills.

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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How to spend three romantic days on Hamilton Island

(Image: Sharyn Cairns)

    Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
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    From barefoot beach walks to moonlit dinners, this three-day Hamilton Island itinerary will have lovebirds swooning.

    Few Aussie destinations do romance quite like Hamilton Island. Set in the dreamy Whitsunday Islands, this popular honeymoon destination combines luxury retreats, palm-fringed reefs and spectacular dining with the easy rhythm of tropical living. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary or spontaneous couples’ weekend, here’s how to spend a loved-up three days on Hamilton Island.

    Day 1

    Morning

    A serene ocean-view room overlooking endless blue horizons.
    Let picturesque ocean views welcome you the moment you check in. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Nothing kills the holiday buzz faster than waiting at the baggage carousel. Luckily, our arrival couldn’t have been smoother. Staying at the boutique, adults-only Beach Club Hotel means VIP transfers are included, so the moment we land, a staff member greets us and whisks our bags straight from the baggage claim to our room. We don’t have to lift a finger.

    Occupying a prime piece of real estate on Catseye Beach, Beach Club is a peaceful retreat just steps from sugar-white sand and a turquoise lagoon. Within 10 minutes of stepping off the plane, we’ve arrived and are switched into holiday mode.

    We check into our room, immediately delighted by the sight of several wallabies grazing in the garden just in front of our private terrace. Beyond, picturesque ocean vistas stretch across the horizon. The room’s mini bar is stocked with bespoke sweet treats; the bathroom with premium Aesop amenities that add to the luxury.

    After we’ve checked out the resort’s beachside infinity pool – plotting the lounge chairs we’ll no doubt return to later – we head out to explore the island. Families glide by on hire bikes and chirping rainbow lorikeets dot the foliage. We decide to hike up to Passage Peak – one of the most scenic walks on Hamilton Island – which takes about 40 minutes one way and boasts panoramic Whitsundays views that will stick with you for long after you leave.

    Afternoon

    A romantic beachside lunch as champagne is served.
    Recharge with a laid-back lunch at Beach Club Restaurant. (Image: Nikki To)

    After working up an appetite, Beach Club Restaurant is the perfect place to snap up a light lunch. Think barramundi, nourish bowls, Wagyu beef burgers, brown butter toasties and Queensland chilli prawns. For those who don’t want to move from their prime perch on the beach or by the pool, there’s also the option to order bites via QR code from the resort’s lounge chairs.

    After our fill, we plunge into the hotel’s incredible infinity pool, its surface blending near seamlessly into the blues of Catseye Beach. Quiet and tucked away from the island’s hum, it feels illegal to do anything but relax here.

    Evening

    A curated flatlay of dishes from Catseye Pool Club.
    Celebrate your first evening over beautifully plated coral trout. (Image: Nikki To)

    There’s truly nothing more satisfying than a little R&R (rest & robe) time in your hotel room after spending the day in the sun. Fresh from a shower, we watch the ripe tangerine sun slowly dip below the palm-framed horizon from our plush terrace daybed. Two wallabies are still grazing on the grass. It’s a magical setting; I find it hard to believe I am only a few hours away from home.

    Come dinnertime, we zip over to nearby Catseye Pool Club, which is a short buggy ride from the hotel or a five-minute walk. A chic new haunt from Sydney-based pair Josh and Julie Niland, the restaurant is all about reconnecting over flavour-rich share plates using high-quality Aussie ingredients.

    We sit in a corner overlooking Catseye Beach – arguably the best seat in the house – with mini table lamps casting a soft glow about the contemporary indoor-outdoor setting. What comes next is pure delight; grilled prawns served with tumeric and lemongrass marinade, macadamia satay sauce and a Thai-leaning sour green mango salad. Then, elegantly plated coral trout served with kasundi and zucchini. We savour it all slowly, the conversation flowing easily between bites and sips while the moonlight transforms the ocean into molten silver.

    Day 2

    Morning

    An 18-hole golf course set against sweeping ocean views.
    Tee off side by side against a backdrop of sweeping ocean views. (Image: Andrea Francolini)

    A la carte breakfast is complimentary for guests of Beach Club, and we take full advantage of the fact. Barista-quality coffee and pressed juice – today it’s carrot, melon, orange and pineapple – arrive alongside pastries baked fresh this morning. For the larger meal, I treat myself to the buttermilk pancakes with praline butter.

    If you prefer an active start to the morning rather than lying in, you’ll find plenty of options. Perhaps tee off at the 18-hole golf course, where the views are as much of a drawcard as the sport itself. Designed by five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson, the course is integrated into the ridged landscape of Dent Island.

    Afternoon

    Artfully paired wines and bites from the Talk & Taste experience.
    Uncover new favourite wines together. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

    For wine-curious couples, Beach Club’s new Talk & Taste experience is a must. Held several times a week for up to eight guests, it’s an intimate tasting of Aussie drops paired with curated bites – all guided by Bommie Assistant Manager and wine enthusiast Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher.

    We opt for the white wine and seafood option, enjoying pours from Eden Valley to Launceston while Courtenay shares her knowledge and passion for the intricacies of wine making.

    Later, we drive our golf buggy up to One Tree Hill. This is one of the most popular spots on the island for sunset, but we chose to come a little earlier so we have more space to ourselves. We enjoy afternoon wine and cheese, admiring the 360-degree views of the island and its impossibly blue waters.

    Evening

    The moody, atmospheric interiors of Bommie Deck.
    Dress up for a romantic evening at Bommie Restaurant. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Since we are, after all, on holiday, we continue the tipples at Bommie Deck. Suspended above Hamilton Island’s marina, this architectural monument is a fabulous place for a sunset spritz.

    Just a few steps inside is Bommie Restaurant, the contemporary Australian fine dining establishment headed by chef Ryan Locke. Of anywhere on the island, this is the place to frock up and celebrate a special occasion – especially if theatrical culinary experiences take your fancy. The tasting set menu is a whirlwind of native Australian flavours and creative plating – with highlights including the cured venison wrapped in wattle seed seasoning. For dessert, a clever take on white chocolate and lemonade ends the night on a high.

    Day 3

    Morning

    A couple gliding across calm waters on SUP boards together.
    Ease into the morning with a paddleboarding adventure. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Another low-key morning means another blissful breakfast at Beach Club. This time, it’s smashed avo toast topped with Persian fetta, dukkah and poached eggs – a deliciously fueling start to the day.

    The weather today is perfect for a paddle, so we walk straight from our room onto the sand of Catseye Beach to pick up some SUP boards. Guests of Beach Club receive complimentary non-motorised water sports equipment, spanning everything from mini catamarans to snorkel gear and kayaks. Finding our balance on the boards is a fun challenge at first, but before long, we’re gliding across the glassy water like naturals.

    Afternoon

    A helicopter soaring above the iconic Heart Reef.
    Add the ultimate highlight with a Heart Reef flight together. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    No couples’ retreat is complete without a touch of pampering. Located in the resort area, Spa Wumurdaylin offers everything from body wraps and facials to de-stress massages using natural Australian products. The Soul Temple treatment begins with a heavenly feeling sugar scrub, followed by a Vichy vertical shower and underwater massage. I leave in a daze.

    If you prefer adventure to relaxation, there is an abundance of day trips from Hamilton Island, from snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef to Whitsundays helicopter tours – all of which make for unforgettable experiences that will bring you and your partner closer.

    Evening

    A couple standing at qualia, gazing out over the endless ocean horizon.
    Close your journey over a beautiful dinner by the sea. (Image: Sharyn Cains)

    Enjoy an elevated evening at qualia’s tranquil Pebble Beach restaurant, where a private beach setting complements the thoughtful, seasonal menu. Or perhaps continue relaxing at Beach Club, feasting on roast lamb and seafood at the poolside restaurant or soaking in ocean views from your room with in-house room delivery. And don’t forget the champagne – a weekend of love, fun and restoration is worth toasting.

    Getting there

    Hamilton Island has its own airport called the Great Barrier Reef Airport, which makes it fuss-free to get to. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar offer short, direct flights from most major Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. This means you’ll spend less time travelling and more time enjoying each other’s company.

    Visit hamitlonisland.com.au for more couples’ retreat ideas.